Anorexia-cachexia syndrome in a patient with advanced gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Wojciech Leppert

Vol 9, No 4 (2010)

Case reports

Published online: 2011-02-02

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Anorexia-cachexia syndrome in a patient with advanced gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Wojciech Leppert

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2010;9(4):129-134.

Vol 9, No 4 (2010)

Case reports

Published online: 2011-02-02

Abstract

The aim of this case report is to depict conservative symptomatic treatment in a patient with anorexia- cachexia syndrome and to discuss the possible interventions for such patients. The mechanisms and clinical management of anorexia-cachexia syndrome are discussed. A 79-year-old woman was admitted to hospice-at-home care due to the progression of an inoperable cardia cancer, with symptoms of dysphagia, cachexia and weakness. Due to the advanced stage of the cancer, general poor condition and concomitant disease (Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction), the patient did not qualify for surgery or chemotherapy. As the patient refused a gastrostomy, she was treated with symptomatic measures (pharmacotherapy) with the important contribution of a surgeon who several times performed endoscopic cardia dilatation, which enabled her feeding through the oral route until death and improved the patient’s quality of life. Due to social problems, low food intake, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and the consideration of parenteral nutrition, the patient was admitted to the inpatient unit, where she died suddenly after five days.

Adv. Pall. Med. 2010; 9, 4: 129–134

Abstract

The aim of this case report is to depict conservative symptomatic treatment in a patient with anorexia- cachexia syndrome and to discuss the possible interventions for such patients. The mechanisms and clinical management of anorexia-cachexia syndrome are discussed. A 79-year-old woman was admitted to hospice-at-home care due to the progression of an inoperable cardia cancer, with symptoms of dysphagia, cachexia and weakness. Due to the advanced stage of the cancer, general poor condition and concomitant disease (Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction), the patient did not qualify for surgery or chemotherapy. As the patient refused a gastrostomy, she was treated with symptomatic measures (pharmacotherapy) with the important contribution of a surgeon who several times performed endoscopic cardia dilatation, which enabled her feeding through the oral route until death and improved the patient’s quality of life. Due to social problems, low food intake, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and the consideration of parenteral nutrition, the patient was admitted to the inpatient unit, where she died suddenly after five days.
Adv. Pall. Med. 2010; 9, 4: 129–134

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Keywords

advanced cancer; cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome; gastric cancer; management; treatment

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Title

Anorexia-cachexia syndrome in a patient with advanced gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Journal

Advances in Palliative Medicine

Issue

Vol 9, No 4 (2010)

Pages

129-134

Published online

2011-02-02

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598

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3226

Bibliographic record

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2010;9(4):129-134.

Keywords

advanced cancer
cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome
gastric cancer
management
treatment

Authors

Wojciech Leppert